waterfowl

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'waterfowl' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to any bird that typically inhabits or is found in or around water, such as ducks, geese, and swans. Examples: - During the spring migration, many species of waterfowl can be seen at the local wetland reserve. - The lake was teeming with various types of waterfowl, including herons, egrets, and cormorants. - The hunting season for waterfowl begins in November. - The conservation efforts have helped to increase the population of waterfowl in the area. - We went canoeing on the river and spotted several species of waterfowl along the way.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We manufacture tree stands, bowhunting packs and accessories, and waterfowl decoys, giving us a field side seat at the forefront of these migrations in hunting.

The Economist

And new research by the British Trust for Ornithology has found that, while the overall populations of waterfowl in Britain are healthy, some species, such as curlew, seem to be suffering in areas where the amount of sewage pumped into rivers and coastal waters has been cut.

The Economist

Hong Kong's current chief executive lists birding as his chief passion.The first reserve on the China coast properly to protect migrating shorebirds and waterfowl was set up in 1975 in Hong Kong, at Mai Po, and is now run by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The Economist

But other materials, particularly sandstone, can take badly to cleaning.In this section Death Wish 2 Robocop's revenge No foul water, no waterfowl Debt trap ahead The china syndrome Wash and gone A yes, at last ReprintsUnfortunately, a lot of contractors steamed in without really knowing what they were doing.

The Economist

They focused on species likely to encounter waterfowl such as geese and ducks, which are known to be particularly vulnerable to H5N1.In this section No hiding place?

The Economist

Part of the vast central court is a turquoise reflecting pool which has no water, but is filled with frogs and graceful waterfowl.

The Economist

If a system cannot tell the difference between a flock of waterfowl and a flock of songbirds, he suggests, it is hard to issue meaningful warnings.Dr Leshem disagrees.

The Economist

Though small and stocky, he is an aggressive suitor who boasts permanently stiff tail feathers and enjoys an energetic and promiscuous sex life.Brought from America to Britain in the late 1940s, the adaptable waterfowl quickly established itself and started to migrate to the European mainland.

The Economist

"If we continue to treat this leadership election as a continuation of the row over Europe, we will be in opposition for ever," he says.In this section Death Wish 2 Robocop's revenge No foul water, no waterfowl Debt trap ahead The china syndrome Wash and gone A yes, at last ReprintsApart from continued feuding, the outcome of the leadership contest is impossible to predict.

The Economist

But now they are fighting hard, citing the 500,000 caribou that live on the NPR-A and the huge flocks of waterfowl that gather on the Colville River delta and Teshekpuk Lake, Alaska's largest body of fresh water.

The Economist

The British Trust for Ornithology is studying the question around the country: early results suggest that lots of waterfowl are indeed living off pollution.Down at the beach, it's certainly harder to spot the birds.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about conservation efforts, specify the species of "waterfowl" being protected to add precision and impact to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "waterfowl" when referring to a specific species; instead, name the specific type of bird, such as "mallard" or "Canada goose", to provide clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The noun "waterfowl" primarily functions as a collective noun, referring to a group or category of birds adapted to aquatic environments. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing various bird species found in wetlands, lakes, and rivers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

42%

News & Media

32%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waterfowl" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun referring to birds adapted to aquatic environments. As Ludwig AI indicates, it encompasses species like ducks, geese, and swans, and is frequently used in encyclopedic entries and news reports. While generally appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it's best to use specific bird names when precision is needed. Understanding the term's ecological significance and common usage patterns enhances effective communication about these birds and their habitats.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

water birds

Synonymous term with "waterfowl", emphasizing the birds' habitat.

ducks, geese, and swans

Lists the most common types of birds classified as waterfowl, offering specific examples.

aquatic birds

Broader term encompassing all birds associated with water environments, including but not limited to ducks, geese, and swans.

migratory waterfowl

Highlights the migratory behavior of many waterfowl species.

wetland birds

Highlights the association of waterfowl with wetland ecosystems.

wild ducks and geese

Specifically refers to undomesticated ducks and geese, narrowing the scope from all waterfowl.

birds of lakes and rivers

Emphasizes the specific habitats where waterfowl are found.

swimming birds

Focuses on the birds' ability to swim, a characteristic of most waterfowl.

game birds of the water

Refers to waterfowl that are hunted for sport or food.

Anatidae family

Refers to the scientific family that includes ducks, geese, and swans, providing a taxonomic perspective.

FAQs

What types of birds are considered "waterfowl"?

"Waterfowl" typically include ducks, geese, swans, and other birds that frequent bodies of water. They are often associated with wetlands and aquatic environments.

How can I use "waterfowl" in a sentence?

You might say, "The lake is a sanctuary for many species of "waterfowl"" or "Conservation efforts aim to protect "migratory waterfowl" habitats".

What's the difference between "waterfowl" and "seabirds"?

"Waterfowl" generally refers to birds found in freshwater environments like lakes and rivers, while "seabirds" inhabit marine environments.

What factors threaten populations of "waterfowl"?

Habitat loss, pollution, hunting, and climate change are significant threats to "waterfowl" populations worldwide.